Chicken Bhuna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add Ginger and Garlic: Add the ginger and garlic paste to the onions. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Introduce Spices: Lower the heat and add the ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and paprika. Stir well to coat the onions evenly with the spices. This forms the flavorful base of the bhuna.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices. This creates a rich and aromatic sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and mix well with the onion-tomato mixture. Cook until the chicken turns white on the outside.
- Simmer and Sauté: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the chicken cook in its own juices, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking. This slow-cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Add Garam Masala: Once the chicken is almost cooked through, add the garam masala and salt. Continue to cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Bhuna Style: As the dish cooks, you'll notice the moisture reducing and the sauce thickening. The chicken will start to release its own juices, creating a concentrated and intensely flavored dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Chicken Bhuna with freshly chopped cilantro leaves. This adds a burst of freshness to the rich flavors.
- Pair with: Serve the Chicken Bhuna with steamed rice, naan bread, or even roti. The robust flavors of the dish complement these sides beautifully.
- Adjust the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Customization: You can also add bell peppers, peas, or even potatoes to the dish for added texture and variety.
- Leftovers: Chicken Bhuna tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors intensify. Reheat gently for a delicious meal.
Notes
Chicken Bhuna is a classic Indian dish that boasts rich, deep flavors and a satisfyingly thick sauce. With its well-balanced spices and tender chicken, it's a delightful choice for those seeking an authentic and aromatic Indian culinary experience. Enjoy this dish alongside your favorite Indian bread or rice for a truly satisfying meal.